Sony Pictures Animation has set screenwriters Jay Scherick and David Ronn to write the screenplay for an all-new Popeye animated feature, based on the iconic characters of comic strip and cartoon fame. Popeye is the second project for Scherick and Ronn with Sony Pictures Animation following their success with this summer’s blockbuster The Smurfs, which has grossed more than $550 million worldwide since its July 29 opening. Sony Pictures Animation and Arad Productions are producing the stereoscopic 3D animated feature.

“Scherick & Ronn have a remarkable talent in re-energizing beloved characters,” says Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions. “As they demonstrated with ‘The Smurfs,’ they embrace the iconic characteristics of these timeless characters and craft a story that really engages moviegoers today.”

“We’re thrilled that Jay and Dave are helping us reintroduce Popeye to a new generation,” comments Michelle Raimo Kouyate, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation. “Their take on the world of Popeye has just the right blend of comedy, adventure and heart — all the elements that made a great animated film.”

“Popeye has been my childhood favorite character,” says producer Avi Arad. “To me he was always the everyday man who gets special powers and actually becomes the first superhero in the best meaning of the word. When Scott Sassa called, Ari and I were beyond excited to be working with Jay Scherick & David Ronn and Sony Pictures Animation to bring this iconic character to the big screen in glorious stereoscopic 3D. We enjoy working with the Sony Pictures Animation team and with Rocky and company from Hearst Publishing. I cannot wait to go sailing!”

Last spring, Scherick and Ronn began work on the sequel to The Smurfs. They also wrote the original script for the upcoming Baywatch adaptation for Paramount and the pair is currently working on a comedy pilot for ABC. Scherick and Ronn have been writing together since they met when they both worked for a New York based corporate bartering company. From a staff writing position at NBC, the team segued into three years on “Spin City” where they served as writer/producers.